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Limited Firewood Available by Permit at Sequoia National Park

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA –Approximately 25 cords of surplus wood in Sequoia National Park's Mineral King area is being made available by permit to the public on a first-come, first-served basis immediately through Monday, October 26, at 12 noon, when the Mineral King area closes for the season. Firewood permits must be purchased in advance—before wood can be removed—and must be obtained in person by stopping at the Foothills Visitor Center and requesting assistance from a law enforcement ranger from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. The cost is $10 per cord with a limit of 10 cords per family per year. Permits will expire on October 26 with the closing of the road for the season. No wood may be obtained after the road has closed. The wood lot, the only location where wood may be obtained, is not located near the Foothills Visitor Center—it is a 1-1/2-hour drive (one-way) along a curvy, steep, often single-lane road. Checks for permits must be made payable to the "National Park Service." Contact Sequoia District Ranger Dave Fox 559-565-3710 (Monday through Friday) for more info about wood permits and availability. (Note: This wood is from trees deemed to be potential hazards to visitors or property in the vicinity of campgrounds, buildings, and roads.)

Permits must be displayed at all times. The cutting and removal of wood is permitted seven days a week, but only during daylight hours. Purchase permits for only what you can haul, as wood cannot be reserved.

The National Park Service is concerned about visitor safety and the protection of park resources during woodcutting operations. Cutting or collection of any trees or wood other than identified in the permit and located in approved woodlots is prohibited. All equipment needs to be in good working order, and the use of proper personal protective equipment, such as leather gloves, eye protection, and chaps is strongly encouraged. It is recommended that an additional person be present while someone is cutting wood in order to act as a spotter and to assist in loading wood. Each chainsaw needs to be equipped with a spark arrester, and exhaust systems need to be in good repair. The wood consists mostly of large logs, so a chainsaw with a 28-42-inch bar is recommended.